Aging changes in hormone production

The endocrine system is made up of organs and tissues that produce hormones.
Hormones are natural chemicals produced in one location, released into the
bloodstream, then used by other target organs and systems.
Hormones control the target organs. Some organ systems have their own internal
control systems along with, or instead of, hormones.
As we age, changes naturally occur in the way body systems are controlled. Some
target tissues become less sensitive to their controlling hormone. The amount of
hormones produced may also change.
Blood levels of some hormones increase, some decrease, and some are unchanged.
Hormones are also broken down (metabolized) more slowly.
Many of the organs that produce hormones are controlled by other hormones. Aging
also changes this process. For example, an endocrine tissue may produce less of its
hormone than it did at a younger age, or it may produce the same amount at a slower
rate.
AGING CHANGES
The hypothalamus is located in the brain. It produces hormones that control the other
structures in the endocrine system. The amount of these regulating hormones stays
about the same, but the response by the endocrine organs can change as we age.
The pituitary gland is also located in the brain. This gland reaches its maximum size in
middle age and then gradually becomes smaller. It has two parts:

The back (posterior) part stores hormones produced in the hypothalamus.

The front (anterior) part produces hormones that affect growth, the thyroid gland
(TSH), adrenal cortex, ovaries, testes, and breasts.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It produces hormones that help
control metabolism. With aging, the thyroid may become lumpy (nodular). Metabolism
slows over time, beginning at around age 20. Because thyroid hormones are produced
and broken down (metabolized) at the same rate,thyroid function tests are usually still
normal. In some people, thyroid hormone levels may rise, leading to an increased risk of
death from cardiovascular disease.

The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands located around the thyroid. Parathyroid
hormone affects calcium and phosphate levels, which affect bone strength. Parathyroid
hormone levels rise with age, which may contribute to osteoporosis.
Insulin is produced by the pancreas. It helps sugar (glucose) go from the blood to the
inside of cells, where it can be used for energy.
The average fasting glucose level rises 6 to 14 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) every 10
years after age 50 as the cells become less sensitive to the effects of insulin.

The adrenal glands are located just above the kidneys. The adrenal cortex, the surface
layer, produces the hormones aldosterone, cortisol, and dehydroepiandrosterone.
Aldosterone regulates fluid and electrolyte balance.
Cortisol is the "stress response" hormone. It affects the breakdown of glucose,
protein, and fat, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy effects.
Aldosterone release decreases with age. This decrease can contribute to lightheadedness and a drop in blood pressure with sudden position changes (orthostatic
hypotension). Cortisol release also decreases with aging, but the blood level of this
hormone stays about the same. Dehydroepiandrosterone levels also drop. The effects of
this drop on the body are not clear.
The ovaries and testes have two functions. They produce the reproductive cells (ova
and sperm). They also produce the sex hormones that control secondary sex
characteristics, such as breasts and facial hair.

With aging, men sometimes have a lower level of testosterone.

Women have lower levels of estradiol and other estrogen hormones
after menopause.
EFFECT OF CHANGES
Overall, some hormones decrease, some do not change, and some increase with age.
Hormones that usually decrease include:

Aldosterone

Calcitonin

Growth hormone
Renin
In women, estrogen and prolactin levels usually decrease significantly.
Hormones that usually remain unchanged or only slightly decrease include:

Cortisol

Epinephrine

Insulin

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4

Testosterone levels usually decrease gradually as men age.

Hormones that may increase include:

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Norepinephrine
Parathyroid hormone